Chaz Bono's Name & Gender Request Goes To Judge

LOS ANGELES — Chaz Bono is asking a judge to formally change his name and gender.

The 41-year-old writer, activist and reality-TV star, was born a girl to Sonny Bono and Cher. He filed a petition to change his name and gender last week.

Bono's doctor filed a declaration with the court indicating he performed a gender-change operation last year.

Formerly called Chastity, Bono has called the gender change "the best decision I've ever made."

The filing was first reported by celebrity Web site TMZ.com.

A hearing on the petition is scheduled for May 6 in Santa Monica, Calif.

Comments

[DinSea]

06:07 AM on 03/31/2010

Whatever ... just be happy, Chaz.
Here's wishing you every good thing.

[ColoradoBrad]

02:35 AM on 03/31/2010

Why is this person News again?

[Tugar]

04:19 AM on 03/31/2010

I thought the same exact thing ! Why be so public about changing a name.... Just do it ! No Big thing, and who cares !

[ThankGodhesgone]

01:30 AM on 03/31/2010

I thought he was using Chaz as his name because it is masculine.

What does he want to change it to?

[jena132]

10:37 PM on 03/30/2010

Anyone can change their name.......I'm guessing the changing the gender part is where a judge is needing to be involved.

[harmonikasavingsbonds]

07:21 PM on 03/30/2010

Chaz = Charles?

[hey0there]

06:35 PM on 03/30/2010

weirdest disability ever

[SuperBucky]

06:00 PM on 03/30/2010

Not gonna happen. She was born a woman, is female. If your a duck, your a duck. You can call yourself a pig but your still a duck. The legal system does not allow for that and it shouldn't. If she is satisfied with who she is, thats great then she doesn't need to change it legally..

[slocomgp]

10:01 PM on 03/30/2010

He is no longer a woman, he is a man. Why should he not be able to change his name, other people can? He has the right to change it legally like everyone else.

[ThankGodhesgone]

01:32 AM on 03/31/2010

Don't be ridiculous. Anyone can change their name, legally.

Besides, Chaz never felt that he was a woman. He changed his body to match his identity.

[PuddinPie]

04:47 PM on 03/30/2010

Chaz/Chastity is the inverse of her mother Cher.

Chaz/Chastity=stout, blonde, masculine
Cher=thin, dark haired, uber-feminine

I guess the apple does sometimes fall far from the tree.

[david5000]

02:48 PM on 03/30/2010

Birds of a feather flock together.

[kanester]

02:22 PM on 03/30/2010

oooo ... what an opportunity. turn it into a contest and let the public pick the best name for you.

[caad4]

01:55 PM on 03/30/2010

Good on you, Chaz! A long and happy life to you (although I echo concerns about your weight and health)

[yourmotherwasahamster]

11:16 AM on 03/30/2010

When I look at Chaz Bono I don't see male or female, straight or gay or transgender. What I see is someone who desperately needs to get control over their weight and health. Chaz may be happy now that he has matched his outside to his inside, but it will be short-lived happiness if he winds up dying at an early age.

[GO-BAMA]

11:41 AM on 03/30/2010

Hear, hear! Everyone's got an opinion on this guy's gender identity, but I rarely hear anything about this far more immediate problem.

[FabulousAt52]

12:33 PM on 03/30/2010

You know, I'm sure if Chaz's "obesity problem" was such a huge deal (like you two make it out to be) he would not have been able to undergo the physical changes (medical procedures) that he has.

It's very possible that although 'over weight' Chaz could be very healthy and medically sound... maybe even more so than YOU, or other thin(ner) folks full of hate and hurtful remarks.

[KC45]

06:35 PM on 03/30/2010

I wonder if hormonal therapy, in support of his gender change, has caused weight gain.

[booboopickle]

11:01 AM on 03/30/2010

People need to know that these are two separate issues. I have total sympathy and support for anyone mistreated for being different or shown prejudice for something they had nothing to do with, but being gay and being born in the wrong body are two totally different things.

[hallowellboy]

10:18 AM on 03/30/2010

Best of luck Chaz.

[imhere57]

08:53 AM on 03/30/2010

And this is our business because??????????

[GO-BAMA]

11:42 AM on 03/30/2010

Well, the name change thing I actually get, since this is a legal issue that is resolved by the government, ie the people, ie you and I.